1. Another challenge is training Philippine forces for night operations, which U.S. troops prefer for hostage rescues.
2. After the failed attempt to rescue the Burnhams, Philippine forces stepped up their pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas.
3. But the Philippine forces use outdated radios that the rebels can monitor and do not widely use night operations, which U.S. forces prefer.
4. The Philippine forces then used their speed boat to ram the other vessel, badly damaging it.
5. U.S. and Philippine forces conduct annual training exercises.
6. U.S. forces are also coping with a lack of coordination among the Philippine forces on Basilan, who are jockeying for a lead role in rescuing the Burnhams.
7. Philippine forces put down a bloody revolt by one group of Muslim separatists in November and are being assisted by U.S. troops to destroy Abu Sayyaf.
8. Port authorities from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam had joined Australia, Malaysian and Philippine naval forces in a vast search for the missing ship.
9. Police artists made sketches of some of the gunmen, said Maj. Gen. Ernesto Carolina, who heads southern Philippine forces.
10. Philippine forces have seized Chinese fishermen for allegedly poaching nearby and have destroyed several Chinese marine markers in the area.